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Review
. 2024 Nov 23;12(12):1313.
doi: 10.3390/vaccines12121313.

Integrated Approaches for the Delivery of Maternal and Child Health Services with Childhood Immunization Programs in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Systematic Review Update 2011-2020

Monica P Shah  1 , Christopher J Morgan  2   3   4 , James G Beeson  4   5   6 , Elizabeth Peach  4   7 , Jessica Davis  4 , Barbara McPake  3 , Aaron S Wallace  1
Affiliations
Review

Integrated Approaches for the Delivery of Maternal and Child Health Services with Childhood Immunization Programs in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Systematic Review Update 2011-2020

Monica P Shah et al. Vaccines (Basel). .

Abstract

Background: The integration of maternal and child health services (MCH) with routine immunization is an important global health strategy, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). However, evidence is lacking regarding the best practices for service integration and the effect of integration on immunization and linked health service outcomes. Methods: We searched publication databases and gray literature for articles published between 2011 and 2020 that include approaches to integrating MCH services with immunizations during the first two years of life in LMICs. Abstracts and full-text articles were screened for eligibility. For the included articles, data extraction and analysis examined the descriptive characteristics of studies, outcomes, and implementation considerations. Results: Among the 16,578 articles screened, 44 met the criteria for inclusion, representing 34 studies, of which 29 were from Africa. The commonly linked MCH services were family planning (24%), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) diagnosis or care (21%), and malaria prevention or control (21%). Multiple integration strategies were typically used; the co-location of linked services (65%), the provision of extra services by immunization staff (41%), and/or the provision of extra information by immunization staff (41%) were the most common. In general, integration improved MCH service outcomes (76%) and was either beneficial (55%) or neutral for immunization (35%), with some examples in family planning, malaria, and HIV where integrated services were not beneficial. Important implementation considerations included the careful matching of target populations in service re-design, ensuring support from policy, logistics, and information systems, the provision of adequate training and support of staff to avoid overload, clear client communication regarding service integration, and the need to address community concerns. Conclusions: Integrating MCH services with routine immunization can expand linked services and improve immunization coverage. This study has identified key implementation considerations relevant to both childhood and adult vaccination programs. More research is needed regarding costs and client preferences.

Keywords: HIV; family planning; immunization; infant; integration; malaria; maternal and child health; service delivery; systematic review; vaccination.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest. The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Study flow diagram (PRISMA Diagram), systematic review update 2011–2020.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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